Speak Out 11/27/07

Respect for Jackson

MY HUSBAND and I went to the ballgame at Waynesville Friday night. Saturday morning we went to Fort Leonard Wood. While visiting the PX we were stopped twice by football mothers from Waynesville who wanted to share a wonderful compliment. It seems that along with rejoicing over their win on Friday night, much was also said about how impressed they were by the appearance, attitude and conduct of the Jackson players and fans, both adults and students. We may not have won the ballgame, but perhaps the whole town won something even more important: the respect of one town for another. Way to go, Jackson -- both the team and the town.

U.N. and the truth

THE U.N. is admitting that it lied when it reported the number of people with AIDS was 40 million and rising. Its new number is 33 million, and the U.N. now says AIDS cases have been in decline for 10 years. Critics speculate they U.N. lied to create fear and raise money. Do you think it is telling the truth about global warming?

Where the money goes

I RECEIVED a phone call from an organization that wanted my help to send care packages to the troops. I asked what percentage of money donated went to the troop care packages and what percentage went to pay the telemarketer organization that was calling me. Only 20 percent went to get care packages for the troops, and 80 percent went to defray the cost of that organization calling me.

Cause and effect

YEARS AGO, physical education was taken out of the required curriculum in high schools and universities. In those classes, students were taught fitness, wellness and lifetime sports. In other words: exercise. Is it a coincidence that we have an obesity epidemic in our young people today?

Buying China's steel

I SAW that the steel for the border fence we are building was made in China. The Department of Homeland Security awarded the contract for the purchasing of the steel. Why was this allowed to happen? This is a slap in our face to the U.S. Anymore it seems that Americans are second and the countries over seas come first. I will be so glad to see Election Day 2008 get here so we can fire about three-quarters of everyone in Washington.

Out late in Mounds

MOTHERS IN Mounds, Ill.: Do you know where your teenagers were last night? I do. About 15 of them were on a street corner at 3 a.m. None of them was older than 18. I had to back down to the next block because none of them would get out of the street. The sad thing is I passed a cop as I was entering town. Are there no curfew laws?

Saving fuel

SLOWING DOWN on the highways will save gas. It is matter of physics and aerodynamic drag. Higher velocities equal more drag, which takes more energy or fuel to overcome, which means poorer gas mileage at higher speeds. We need to reduce interstate speed limits back down to 60 mph. We also need to build refineries and exploit our own country's natural resources. But this needs to coincide with lower consumption if we want prices to moderate.

Blame the computer

CAPE GIRARDEAU School District's director of finance, Brenda McCowan, said the budget proposal for the school system, described as "riddled with errors," was a result as a computer error. That's what I always say, too. I've been saying for years that computers are out to subvert us, and Ms. McCowan makes my proposition seem less preposterous.

It's all risky

WE KNOW the risks we take when we ride our bikes in the street. Some of us thrive on those risks, just as some motorists like to go over the speed limit or race through a yellow light. We all take risks, and death never detours people from the things they truly enjoy. Let me ride my bike, and I'll let you drive your car.

School competition

I'VE READ a few comments lately that schools serve the important function of socializing students. What does that mean? Can we not function in society unless we first spend 12 years in an artificial environment, segregated into age groups where our lives are controlled and advancement only happens as a group? What in society are we being prepared for? It's time to scrap our outdated one-size-fits-all factory schools. Competition in education is the key to preparing our children for a competitive world.

He earned his pay

AS A teacher in the Cape Girardeau School District for several years, I must comment on the most recent idiotic actions of our school board. We have a runaway board attempting to micromanage matters that have been entrusted to the leaders of the district. Of course, Dr. David Scala's contract must be honored. He gave sufficient notice that he was retiring in June. He is owed every bit that he is getting. Blame the board on the poor management of our tax dollars. If indeed a new superintendent is hired by February, all of us will be paying the salary for two superintendents through June. This was not necessary and is in the best interest of no one except the board members. If this board, operating as it currently is, thinks it will keep anyone beyond three years, wake up. It is not going to happen. Why do you suppose Scala offered his resignation in the first place? Dr. Scala, enjoy your six-month "leave" with pay. You certainly earned it.

Tips for deliveries

IF YOU choose the convenience of having your pizza delivered to your door, please be courteous and tip your driver. A lot of us are students or have families to support or both. We pay for our own gasoline and put wear and tear on our own cars. Thank you.

Wilderness caution

OH, GOODY. The Missouri Wilderness Coalition wants to bring the same types of problems that cause the fires in California to be so devastating to Missouri. If the areas in Mark Twain National Forest are designated wilderness areas, they will become overgrown like the canyons of Southern California and will become a tinder box waiting for a spark from lightening to ignite them. Call your legislators in Congress and urge them to oppose this lunacy.